Super Rally
Super Rally is a rule in rallying that allows drivers who have crashed or broken down to restart the competition the next day, giving them a second chance to continue racing even after retiring from a stage.
In rally racing, drivers compete over multiple days on different stages (individual timed sections of the route). If a driver crashes their car or suffers a mechanical failure that forces them to stop, they would normally be out of the entire event. The Super Rally rule changes this by letting them rejoin the rally the following morning, though they don't get off without consequences.
When a driver uses Super Rally to restart, they receive time penalties for every stage they missed, including the one where they originally retired. In the World Rally Championship, the penalty equals the fastest time set in their class for each missed stage, plus an additional five minutes per stage. These penalties are added to their overall time, which typically means they won't be competing for the overall win anymore.
The rule serves several important purposes for the sport. First, it keeps more cars on the road, which makes the event more exciting for spectators who come to watch. Imagine traveling to see a rally only to find that half the field dropped out on day one—Super Rally helps prevent this disappointment.
Second, the restart rule provides valuable learning opportunities for drivers. Rally stages are incredibly challenging, and completing them offers experience that helps drivers improve their skills and learn the characteristics of different roads and conditions. This is especially important for younger or less experienced competitors who are still developing their abilities.
Third, even with the time penalties, drivers can still earn championship points. Many rally championships award points not just for overall finishing position but also for winning individual stages. A driver who restarts under Super Rally might score stage wins that contribute to their season-long championship battle, making every stage meaningful.
It's important not to confuse Super Rally with Super Special Stages, which is a completely different concept. Super Special Stages are short, entertainment-focused stages where two cars race side-by-side, often held in stadiums or city centers for spectator appeal. Super Rally specifically refers to the restart regulation after retirement.
The Super Rally rule cannot be used on the final day of competition—if a driver retires on the last day, they're out for good. This maintains some competitive integrity by ensuring the final day results reflect actual performance without restarts.
Some countries have also developed National Super Rally Championships that use the term differently, featuring street circuit competitions where cars start individually and complete timed laps, but the World Rally Championship usage focusing on the restart rule remains the most recognized definition in international motorsport.